Shades Of Orange SEQUELCONT TO TAXI, TAXI

by SLYSWN

"You are Kurosaki Ichigo, a nineteen year old college boy who captivated me, Aizen Sousuke, a man who readily will admit that he believed himself to be above such basic and troublesome emotions of the average human." ( Title is borrowed from the "14 Shades of Gray" Album by Staind not E.L. James "Shades" series ) A/N 4/18/15 Alternate Winners KENICHI now up! Finally!

5. Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I will never ship Inoue with my favorite berry. Therefore I am not Kubo-sensei!

Warnings: Spelling, grammar, punctuation, run-ons, some OOC-ness, developing plot, switching views, AiIchi, KenIchi, GrimmIchi, NnoiIchi, OthersIchi, etc etc etc. YES THE FINAL PAIRING IS STILL AIZENxICHIGO. THIS HAS NOT CHANGED.

To: BonneNuit for always giving an honest opinion about things. If you don't know who this author is, shame on you.

The last chapter ended on the next morning…well we will pick up at what happened during the rest of that morning but first

Lets rewind to the night when Ichigo was with Kenpachi…it bleeds into the next morning.

Shades of Orange

PART 6

~ Tainted LUST ~

(Ichigo)

The only good thing about motorcycles was that one could never doubt how undeniably manly it was to own and drive a hog.

It was almost like telling the world

'I'm your daddy and the rest of you are my bitches.'

Of course Ichigo would never voice this thought out loud—

Not only did it sound crass and completely and totally out of character but it was almost like he was inadvertently stating that he was Kenpachi's bitch.

While sleeping with the older man wasn't a horrible thought—au contraire—

Calling the man "daddy" was just disturbing.

"If I wanted a silent companion I would've brought my neighbors' cat along."

It took Ichigo a moment to realize that Kenpachi had stopped driving, parked and was now speaking to him.

"Sorry I uh was just thinking—

Kenpachi grunted and then lifted him off the bike and set him on his feet.

Eyes sparkling, grin wide "Come watch the stars with me Ichigo."

Ichigo blinked stupidly "Stars?"

Kenpachi laughed, grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the edge of a cliff.

After a few minutes the older man sat down and patted the spot beside him.

Ichigo hesitated—

Suddenly being alone with this man he just met—watching the stars with Kenpachi—seemed far too intimate.

It didn't help that goat face kept popping up in his head

"Go for it son, make daddy proud!"

"Just forget about everything and enjoy yourself."

"Prove that you're a man and make the first move!"

The first move towards what exactly?

Just what exactly had gotten into him—why was he here? He'd just got into well it couldn't even be called a real fight since Chado hadn't said anything, just punched him and stormed out but still—

That is where he should be right now. Smoothing things over with his best friend, not sitting with some 30 something year old man who had a fetish for young boys like him self.

And yet—

Oh what harm could it do? It wouldn't be too forward of him to hug Kenpachi would it?

Even in his winter coat, Ichigo was quite cold but Kenpachi had been warm—looked even warmer now as he sat there waiting for—

What was the man waiting for exactly?

Sure he wanted Ichigo to come sit down—that much had been made clear but—

The orange haired youth bit his lip and for the first time—well maybe not the first time exactly—but still that time didn't really count—but now?

Now he was thinking of Aizen. Really thinking of Aizen. What did the man really do? Surely he didn't just come on to college students as part of some nightly routine did he?

Had he been a family man who just wanted to escape his nagging wife and noisy brats for a night?

Was he really the sneaky, evil pervert or was he—

Ichigo shook his head.

Why now was he having these thoughts?

Was it possible that a small part of him really did want to see Aizen again? Was he searching for the good in a man he didn't even know?

He'd been so disgusted with himself that night and he had felt like such a cheap—

Rukia and Inoue certainly hadn't helped—

And then Renji—fuck! What the hell had he been thinking anyway?

Why had he told the tattooed redhead anything when every one knew Renji never knew how to keep his mouth shut?

And then there were his stalkers to consider—

What was their true aim? Sure they had played pranks on him before and sure they had always had a perverted streak but—

What was with that look of guilt on Ulquiorra's face?

Ichigo still hadn't opened the duffel bag—

And what happened to Starrk?—the guy who used to sneak into his room every night —he hadn't seen the lazy eyed narcoleptic in quite a while—

Why the hell did any of this matter?

Why were his thoughts so random?

How had his thoughts gone from Kenpachi, to Aizen to his stalkers?

He had always been this weird?

He'd better make up his mind soon or Kenpachi would give up and drive off with out him.

Or worse demand that he 'Leave'

But it wasn't that simple—Ichigo felt like a light bulb had gone off—telling him to rethink everything that happened over the past few weeks—maybe then he could get a better grasp on what to do or where to go next. Maybe then—so he dug into his memories—

Going back to the night when the weirdness had begun—

Inoue had stuck her head through the window of the taxi, encouraged Rukia to do the same and then?

Ichigo wracked his brain so much that it hurt

Finally it came to him.

He had pushed Rukia and Inoue to the side and stuck his own head through the window—upon taking in the man's profile he had reached a conclusion—they were being deceived and yet it didn't matter—not really—he certainly hadn't voiced it out loud at that time—but he'd felt it rising, boiling up in him like lava—

He'd told Rukia and Inoue to sit in the back because he was worried for their safety—sure the thought did cross his mind but it was not the real reason—

No the real reason had been—he hadn't wanted to share the stranger "Aizen"—because he had been jealous? Yes jealous—

It was still a bit foggy but the more he thought about it the more he realized where his anger had really stemmed from.

He had been both jealous and sexually frustrated.

That's why he had snarled at Aizen like a wild animal—that's why he had spouted venomous words at the man—nearly lost control over his sanity because—

Because he couldn't stand the way the man kept looking at his two companions—

And as a result the spontaneous experience had been tainted.

He realized that now.

If he had just—he shook his head—that was then—this was now—

Rukia and Inoue weren't here

It was just Kenpachi and himself—so if he wanted to hug the man he would—and if he wanted to kiss the man?

Well if that should happen it would happen—

Yes whatever happened would be—

He was going to enjoy himself

And he'd start by curling his freezing body into Kenpachi's warm one.

()()()()()()

Kenpachi's house was like the rest of Kenpachi—it was warm and inviting—

It felt perfectly natural for Ichigo to curl up on the man's sofa—felt perfectly natural to let the man gnaw at his neck—it would probably bruise but—

()()()()()()

And in the end, he hadn't really done much but whine and mewl as Kenpachi grinded his nearly naked body against him—

Ichigo hadn't wanted it to end but he could no longer keep his eyes open and eventually fell asleep.

()()()()()()()()

The next morning…

Ichigo finds himself in Kenpachi's bed fully clothed and wet-free so he concludes that nothing except gnawing and a dry-humping session occurred.

And he's okay with that.

The door is pushed open and a second later, Kenpachi comes into view wearing a plain black apron and nothing else—he is carrying a tray in his hands.

It dawns on Ichigo that this man is serving him breakfast in bed but why?

He sits up—nope no soreness—but then why?

"I'm not letting you leave without having breakfast first."

"Oh but I—

"It is not a request. You fell asleep right before I could properly seduce you—so now as a consequence you have to eat breakfast."

The tray was piled with food.

"I can't eat all of that."

"Yes you can and yes you will."

Ichigo felt annoyed "Who the hell mph—

A forkful of pancake was shoved into his mouth silencing his would be protest.

If it didn't taste so good, Ichigo would've grabbed the tray and crashed it over the man's head.

()()()()()()()()

A few hours later…

Chado wasn't like his other friends. Chado understood him even when he wasn't making much sense.

Chado never expected long drawn out apologies because he was not one to hold a grudge-nor was he one to lecture Ichigo.

Chado just listened and accepted.

"So long as you are happy I am happy for you."

As for the punch well…

"I never meant to strike out at you like that."

"Well I was an ass Chado and everyone knows it. You just did what was necessary. I would have done the same."

The best thing about Chado—well there were a lot of great things about him but Ichigo's favorite thing about his shaggy haired friend was the fact that if he should choose to hug him, the taller male would NOT use that as an excuse to fondle him.

Because Chado didn't do things like that!

A Hug was a HUG. And Chado was Chado.

Ichigo wouldn't want it any other way.

"Well now that you're here I can finally show you what I've been working on."

Chado was a bit of an artist. And he was really quite good at it in Ichigo's opinion.

Should turn it into a career or so Ichigo had told him many times.

But Chado considered his artwork to be more of a hobby.

So Ichigo let him be. After all it would be a bit hypocritical of him to tell his older friend how to live his life.

()()()()()()

"Now keep in mind that I wasn't trying to offend you by doing this."

Ichigo was a little nervous—with a comment like that well it could mean anything.

He shook his head. That was stupid. This was Chado—Chado wouldn't d—

The curtain was lifted.

Chado's latest painting was revealed.

The colors were very vibrant, the lines detailed, the figure very um—

"It's uh well it looks kinda like me, a lot like me actually but that's just stupid there's no way its me right?"

"It is you."

Okay had he missed something? Chado had been his best friend for years and not once had he ever hinted at feeling some sort of non-brotherly affection towards him. He was reading too much into this—it was probably just like artistic expression or something right?

"But you're um I mean you're not like the rest of them—you're just Chado and this—

"I know it might be a bit difficult to digest Ichigo but—

"It's fine, it's fine but hey why exactly am I posing with a leopard?"

He had to stay calm. It was just a painting. Just art. Nothing else. So what if he was only dressed in periwinkle blue bed sheets. It was perfectly normal right?

This was stupid. Why was he getting so worked up for?

So his best friend might find him to be a good source of inspiration so what? It wasn't a bad thing. He should feel flattered.

And he did. Somewhat.

It was just—

"But what about Ishida? I mean you can't just f—

"I'm very happy with him and he knows this but you're my f—

"You never said anything. All this time and you never said anything. I mean I just—I—why?"

"I don't expect anything from y—

"I mean sure there were a few times when you covered your nose or your cheeks flushed but I figured it was because well I—you—I just—

"We're friends. I didn't show you this to freak you out. I don't expect anything from you. I just—

"Then last night the real reason you stormed off was bec—

"I don't like hearing you talk about yourself as though you are nothing more than some prize cherry boy toy. I know a lot of your admirers both in the past and now might have said and done things to you, making you doubt yourself but you shouldn't let it get to you. They don't understand you and as a result retaliate by teasing you. But they're idiots and you are not. So please promise me you'll never d—

He was such a complete dumb ass. Chado was just looking out for him as usual and he had been too caught up in his own bullshit to realize—

He cared about his friend but—

"Chado I—well, thanks."

Thanks? That's the best he can do? Wow he really does just flat out suck.

"It's yours."

"Mine? What? No I uh I can't accept this."

"Why not?"

"I just—I have no where to put it."

Lame. Lame. Lame.

Why was he acting this way? Chado was just—

"It's yours. If you don't want it just throw it away."

"I—no I'm not going to throw it away!"

"Good. Now follow me."

"Follow you?"

"Yes."

He couldn't return his best friends affections so the least he could do was follow him right?

()()()()()()

Ichigo had been in Chado's bedroom before back when they were like 12 years old—nowadays it wasn't exactly normal for 2 guys to go to a private sanctuary like a bedroom unless well—

"Chado what are we doing in your—

The door to the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom opened—Ishida stepped out, towel around his waist, a smaller one hanging loosely off his shoulder.

He didn't seem surprised to see him.

Oh why oh why did this look like—

"So did you want to shower next Kurosaki or should we just jump right in to it?"

WTF?

()()()()()()

Later that same afternoon…

(Aizen)

"Kuchiki Rukia, yes of course I remember who you are."

"No I can't say that I have."

"Did he? Well I'm very sorry to hear that."

"I will certainly let you know if I see him."

"Yes."

"No problem at all."

"And a good day to you as well, Kuchiki-chan."

Aizen hung up the phone.

So the boy was missing. And apparently his friends believed that the boy was hiding out with him. They were all deeply concerned.

It all seemed a bit over the top in his opinion.

The boy was not a child and he was fully capable of taking care of himself.

And even if the boy had really come to him to hide (which was really quite an amusing thought) well it's not as if he would've told the young Kuchiki woman that.

What could have possibly angered the boy so much in the first place?

And why had they jumped to that conclusion—more importantly how had the young raven-haired woman gotten his phone number?

Aizen certainly hadn't passed it out that night nor was he listed in the local phone book.

Could it be that there was perhaps some kind of hacker in their little group?

The buxom brunette perhaps? She had been almost unnaturally friendly, maybe it had all been an act.

Perhaps all of three of them were in on it. Maybe the boy hadn't really been all that clueless and short tempered and had merely pretended?

Perhaps the trio had simply been bored and decided to mess with him?

NO! He saw the look in boys' eyes—felt the boys' arousal through the fabric—not even a professionally trained porn star could be that convincing—so there was no plan or plotting—just three college students who happened to take a ride in his borrowed taxi.

As for the number? That could easily be explained through the use of the internet—now a days you could find just about anyone with a single click of the mouse.

Where was the boy though?

Had he simply locked himself away somewhere in order to hide from the rest of society?

Or perhaps he hadn't really left at all but his friends simply hadn't looked hard enough?

Or maybe—could it be (Aizen did not wish for much but on the rare occasion that he did)—

The doorbell rang. He'd let Gin or Kaname answer it. He'd given the servants, Kira and Iba the day off.

He had to get prepared—if it was the boy at the door well then—

The sound of footsteps reached his ears, following this sound, came a knock.

"Enter."

()()()()()()

Shame it was not the boy at all but an all too familiar thorn in his side—

"Finished your Christmas shopping already Hinamori-kun?"

The girl had the audacity to glare at him as she threw down several shopping bags. She snarled out "What the HELL is wrong with you? Why did you change the locks and not even bother to give me a new key?"

He would not raise his voice nor his hand to the girl—such behavior—no the best way to handle this sort of outburst was by simply ignoring the young girl completely.

It was the only way she would ever learn.

Aizen stood up, grabbed his pea coat off the back of the door, slipped it on and brushed past the girl with out uttering a single word.

()()()()()()

It was a nice day for early-December perhaps he'd do a little shopping of his own.

Ask Gin to accompany him.

()()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

It hadn't been the best morning. Nor had it been the worst.

It had simply been exhausting.

Right now he didn't want to think about anything.

Right now going to watch some brainless movie with Keigo sounded like the best thing in the world.

So he agreed.

"Sure. Why don't we meet up around 6 or something?"

Ichigo had to hold the phone away from his ear so he didn't go permanently deaf from Keigo's excited cry of joy.

After a moment or two he brought the phone back to his ear.

"Okay. See you then."

()()()()()()

(Grimmjow)

He didn't know what was going on nor did he really care.

And he wouldn't have even bothered asking if he hadn't made a promise to her brother—not that he thought much of the guy—and truthfully he wasn't all that fond of the chick either—

She was far too whiny for his liking—actually whining didn't even begin to describe what she was doing

Neliel was blubbering like the baby she sometimes pretended to be.

They could probably fill 10 buckets with her tears and still have extra left over to wash the windows.

Grimmjow Jeagerjaques couldn't take much more.

How the hell is a man supposed to eat a sandwich when his female companion has snot running from her nose?

Course Nel had never been all that feminine to begin with but—

"Alright what the hell happened?"

"Itsy-Itsygo i—

"Ichigo what?"

"Itsygo is in love."

"Love? With who?"

"Nel saw them—

"Saw who?"

"Itsygo's lo—

The rest of her sentence had been cut off by another crying session.

So Kurosaki had some one—well that was rather unexpected—or so he would've thought if his personal bluebird hadn't informed him of this "oh so startling information" 3 hours ago—but he couldn't let Neliel know this—in fact there were many things he couldn't let her know.

Like the main mission for example—

Grimmjow never planned to follow through—he did not give two shits about anyone—the only one he had to be wary of was Nana "K"

Nana "K" was dangerous. Nana "K" had never even liked him—hell Nana "K" barely tolerated him.

Not that Grimmjow gave a damn—Nana "K" could kiss his half Canadian ass!

Kurosaki Ichigo was not some trophy wife or candy boy—he was in a league all his own—there was no comparison.

Grimmjow was the one to spot the orange haired youth in the first place and there was no way in hell he'd let anyone else have him!

His personal bluebird had been kind enough to let him know the latest.

Last night Kurosaki had gotten into some sort of dispute with his friends and stormed off.

The next time Kurosaki had been spotted was during the dead hour of that very same night, where he had been curled quite cozily around a dark haired male who was well over 6 feet tall.

The orange haired youth hadn't been seen since.

But then 5 minutes ago

Kaze sent him a text and informed him that Kurosaki made plans to meet another one of his friends—wow that guy sure had a lot—at the cinema later on.

Happy Hollows in 3D

Grimmjow didn't care to sit through some two-hour movie about some lame-brained detectives who shape-shifted into animals but if it meant he'd get to squeeze some fine berry ass?

He would go.

But that wouldn't be for a while so right now he had to focus on calming Neliel down.

"Don't cry Nel, Kurosaki isn't in love. He's just doing what guys do, having fun, enjoying life—

'And its about time too I mean I like em' tight but if he was any more tense, I'd have to pry his cute little butt cheeks open with a crowbar.'

"No. You didn't see his eyes or his smile. He was so happy and content with life. We've been watching him for over half a year and I've never seen him look like that."

"Well crying isn't going to change anything."

"I know. Hali said the same thing but—

"But?"

"I don't care because I won't hurt Ichi. I won't!"

"Relax, Neliel. No one is going to hurt him, Hali was probably just in one of her moods again, you know how she is during this time of the year."

"Why are we here Grimm? What is our purpose?"

"We are here because we deserve to be here. I don't care what that asshole fox said, we are not worthless, just unfortunate."

"And nii-san is—?"

"Yeah that bastard'll be here in a week or two. He's got some plans of his own."

"But Itsygo is—

"Kurosaki is sexually frustrated, that's all."

"Does it make you sad?"

"Sad?"

"You wants Itsygo don'ts you?"

"We all want him Nel—

"But you—

"I what?"

"Don't play dumb Grimm! I've heard you, all of us have heard you and seen the way you act around Ichi."

"So?"

"You refer to him as not only your woman but the perfect balance to yourself."

"Hey now don't go making me sound like some kind of love sick fool, sure I wanna claim Kurosaki but—

"Don't even finish that sentence Grimmjow. I've seen the way your eyes light up at the mere mention of his name."

"Light up? Gods you make me sound like some kinda chick, Neliel."

"There is nothing wrong with showing affection towards Ichi, if I had the proper equipment I'd claim him too."

"I'm sure even with out a dick you could claim him if you really want to Nel. That big breasted girl and the short one with the raven hair won't stand a chance against you."

"Ichi doesn't want boobies, he wants you!"

"Right, now Kurosaki wants me?"

"He does."

"You just got through telling me that he had a lover, make up your mind Neliel."

"Don't act stupid Grimm, you can love more than one person."

"So what are you saying? Kurosaki loves me now? Right I'm sure even if he does have a hidden kinkiness some where in that tight body of his, I doubt he appreciates constantly having his masculinity brought into question."

"You and I both know that you never would've even looked at Ichi if he had truly been some overly sensitive, soft spoken fruit cup. Itsygo is none of these. Ichi is ideal, the perfect combination of a boy and a man—that's why you and so many others are so attracted to him." A sigh "So I ask you now, what are we going to do?"

"We're not going to do anything, Neliel."

'I'm going to do something.'

()()()()()()()

(Rukia)

Kuchiki Rukia was not a spy.

Nor was she a stalker.

She was a young woman out on a quest.

It hadn't started out that way.

Originally she'd just been doing a bit of Christmas shopping.

She had found the most adorable music box and fully intended on purchasing it for Inoue.

But then she saw him.

Aizen.

Was ready to run up and greet the man but then she spotted his companion.

Male. Silver-haired. Thin. And the exact same height as Aizen himself was.

There was nothing particularly alarming about the scene.

The two men were probably just good friends.

But since when did good friends ruffle the others hair?

Since when did good friends steal the others mocha latte?

Since when did good friends slap the others butt and then grin like a naughty schoolgirl?

Sure Renji and Ichigo acted like the "not-so-closet" fruits they were at times but they never acted like this!

No the way Aizen and his companion acted around each other well it was more like they were

LOVERS?

And there was nothing wrong with this except—

Aizen had taken an interest in Ichigo.

Still claimed to be interested in her orange haired friend and in her book that meant Aizen should not be interested in any one else.

Aizen should not be involved with anyone else.

But apparently he was.

And that made Rukia mad.

Very mad!

()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

Early that evening…

/'So King what's the game plan?'/

/What are you talking about?'/

/'I mean are ya really gonna go to the movies or are ya gonna skip out and change the course of your direction?'/

/I'm going to the movies./

/Really but why the hell would ya want to do that when ya could have smoochie smoochie time with ya new lover?/

/'Kenpachi is not my lover!/

/'Really? Coulda fooled me? What da you call it then?/

/Shut up Shirosaki!/

/I'm just saying—/

/Yeah you're always just saying something aren't you./

/Touchy are ya?/

/Argg shut up!/

/Make me. All it takes is one call King. One call and ya can get rid of me for good./

()()()()()()

(Aizen)

Urahara and Shihoin had invited themselves over for dinner.

A friendly little get together they called it.

There was nothing friendly about Yoruichi stabbing his hand repeatedly with a dinner fork.

Nothing friendly about Kisuke spitting wine in his face after Gin recounted a rather amusing tale about a woman and a doughnut.

Aizen did not appreciate the cat-eyed woman sitting at the head of the table in his chair.

He did not like it when the woman had slipped off her velvet trimmed boots and put her feet right next to his own dinner plate.

It didn't matter if there was nothing left on it but a few speckles of peanut sauce—her behavior had been completely barbaric.

Her blond companion had been even worse. Letting out a series of belches followed by ultra foul smelling round of farts.

Which had been the last straw for Kaname, the dark skinned man had scooped up his adoptive son and quickly left the grand dining room.

If Aizen Sousuke were an ordinary man he would have pulled Urahara up by the scruff of his neck and beat the blond with in an inch of his life.

But Aizen was no ordinary man.

Nor was he an idiot.

He knew what Urahara and Shihoin were trying to do.

But it wasn't going to work.

Aizen was not the type of man to get so easily riled up.

Yoruichi raised a forkful of peach cobbler up to her mouth and swallowed before breaking the silence "Its such a shame Hina-chan couldn't join us for dinner."

"Yes why is that every time we come here our sweet little Hina is preoccupied?" Kisuke glared straight at him.

Aizen did not even bat an eye.

The blond could think what ever he wanted.

Gin took it upon himself to answer, "Hinamori-kun went ta the movies with Toshi-chan."

"Did she now?"

()()()()()()()

At Night…

(Inoue)

"Kurosaki-kun is the only boy I've ever loved and I'm trusting that you'll make sure he gets his happy ending."

"No she still hasn't caught on. None of them have."

"I'm not happy about deceiving my friends but I will do what is necessary because I don't want to see Kurosaki-kun sad and lonely."

"Kurosaki-kun is a wonderful person but he needs someone who will take care of him or else he'll wind up destroying himself in the end."

"He is not weak! Kurosaki-kun is one of the strongest people I've ever met—he just spends so much time doing things for everyone else and tends to neglect his own wants and needs."

"Kurosaki-kun has many admirers but only one will win his heart in the end."

"I suppose you are right but I don't want—

The door opened

Inoue Orihime held the cell phone against her chest as her raven-haired companion came into view.

"Inoue are you alright you look a bit upset about something?"

"Oh um I just got off the phone with Tatsuki-chan. I asked her if she'd keep a look out for Kurosaki-kun and let us know if—

Kuchiki-san why are you dressed in that?"

The buxom brunette felt that changing the topic would be a perfect way to distract the shorter woman so she could have time to toss the phone off to the side.

Rukia's silver-blues danced with delight. She climbed on top Inoue's princess mattress and started bouncing up and down like a child, her big fluffy bunny ears bouncing with her. "I've decided to join Renji in on his little break-in plan."

"Break in plan?"

()()()()()()()()()

(Rukia)

FLASHBACK

"See I told you that guy was bad news. Maybe next time you'll listen to me."

"Oh shut up Renji. This isn't the time to play 'I told you so'.

We have more important matters to take care of."

"Yeah like what?"

"Like finding our fri—oh Chado? Ishida what are you two doing here?"

"That's what I've been trying to tell you but your so busy flapping your gums that I didn't get to."

"Tell me what?"

"Kurosaki is not missing."

"Really? You've seen him then?"

"Earlier, yes."

"So then you guys made up?"

"Yes."

"I'm so glad."

"Yeah we're all thrilled now let's focus on what is really important here. Here's the plan. We're going to break into Aizen's mansion and demand that he release his evil hypnosis mumbo jumbo on Ichigo. After that we'll celebrate by going to the first ever Pocky Pals Live in Concert."

"Pocky Pals Live in Concert? Surely you must be joking?"

"Nope."

End FLASHBACK

()()()()()()()

"You mean I'll get to see Sza and Lu in person?"

"Well I'm not sure about that but Renji is pretty excited all the same."

"As am I. Will Kurosaki-kun be joining us?"

"I'm sure he will."

"Oooh I can't wait! This is going to be so much fun. When do we go?"

"Well first we have to break into Aizen's and then—

"Wait! I thought you were joking when you said that. I mean I don't understand what did Aizen-san do wrong?"

Rukia thought about how she should answer this question. And then decided that the best place to start would be the beginning.

"Well earlier today…

()()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

Typical. It was oh so very typical that it would turn into a freakin' blizzard outside when he had opted to wear nothing more than simple dove gray turtle neck and blue jeans.

Typical that Keigo would screw up both the time and the meeting place.

And as a result they would have to go to a later showing.

Typical that stupid goat face would send him a text message that read:

BE SURE TO GET AN AUTOGRAPHED POSTER FOR YOUR SISTER!

=D

Ichigo had no problem getting gifts for his sisters. They were his sisters after all and part of being a brother was spoiling his sisters rotten.

But he would have preferred it if Yuzu herself had sent him the text message.

Because Yuzu knew better than to attach cheesy smiles to every single text.

It was like goat face purposely went out of his way to annoy him.

He did love the man but sometimes…

"Ichigoooo!"

Flapping his arms and looking very much like a chicken in a bright yellow down jacket, Keigo ran towards him ready for the "uber bro-mantic hug to be returned.

"Yo!"

Ichigo side stepped and watched with amusement as his brown-haired friend crashed into the tree.

After a minute or two he held out a hand and helped the other male to his feet.

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

"So think there's gonna be some hot girls in there?"

"Nah, its all guys haven't you heard?"

Keigo turned pale "Ah man, please tell me you're joking. I don't wanna be around a bunch of dudes."

Ichigo laughed.

So predictable.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of girls there, Keigo."

"Yes! I haven't been laid in ages. And Kei-Kei is ready to go."

"You named your dick?"

"Yeah man doesn't everyone?"

He didn't even want to answer that question. Really sometimes Keigo was just—

"Hey do you think I'll get to take a picture with the lovely Miko-chan?"

"Sure, Keigo, sure."

"Think she'll go out with me?"

"Sure, Keigo why not?"

"YES! Oh this is the best night ever."

It was a one in a million chance that his friend would even get to meet the actress "Miko-chan" but Ichigo saw no harm in letting Keigo daydream.

"WOW! Check it out! Happy Hollows in 3D Rise of the Empress coming in June. Oh man we are so going to see that!"

Ichigo let out a groan.

A sequel? Why the hell were they already advertising a sequel when the first one had only been out in theater for a day or two?

It just didn't make any sense to Ichigo.

"Look I'm going to get some snacks. You just stay here and continue salivating over the movie poster."

()()()()()()()()

Okay what was a makeup/hair stylist doing behind a concession stand?

"Berry-tan!"

The woman with the lime green bob grinned at Ichigo.

What was her name again Mashi something or another?

Quite unprofessionally, the woman with the copper colored orbs leaped over the counter and smothered him with a hug.

Acting like they were long time friends and not nearly complete strangers.

The woman was seriously weird.

"You work here?"

"Nope. I'm just helping out a friend of mine. She's not exactly a people person."

"Hey! No flirting on the clock!"

A short pigtailed blonde with freckles, an upturned nose, a trademark fang protruding from one side of her mouth yanked the green haired woman away from him.

It took Ichigo a moment but he eventually recognized the blonde as the chick from his dorm room floor.

Hiyori.

According to her nametag she was the assistant manager at this theater.

Hn, small world.

"Berry-tan isn't my boyfriend although—the green haired woman's eyes raked over his body and let out an appreciative whistle "I certainly wouldn't be complaining if he was."

She turned to the blonde "Berry-tan is a good friend of mine. We met during fashion week."

Hiyori didn't look the least bit interested. She turned, grabbed a hold of Ichigo's sleeve and yanked him down whispering in his ear "Be careful, they're watching you."

After that she let go.

Ichigo felt confused and just a bit disturbed.

What had she meant by that?

He was about to ask the girl but then Keigo appeared at his side "Did you remember to get my milk duds huh did ya, did—OW!"

"No shouting in the cinema!"

"What?" Keigo squawked and flapped his arms, once more reminding Ichigo of a chicken "This isn't a library. I can talk as loud as I want."

Ichigo laughed as the blonde snaggletooth beat his friend up with her cherry red flip-flops.

"It's nice to see you so looking so happy berry-tan."

()()()()()()()

(Grimmjow)

Kaze wasn't the brightest but his plans usually worked out quite well.

Sure Grimmjow had been rather annoyed to find out that he'd have to sit through Happy Hollows not once but twice—but at least he'd get the upper advantage in cornering the berry.

And really there was nothing more delicious than capturing the orange haired 19 year old off guard. The way his cinnamon brown eyes would widen, the way his strong yet boyish cheekbones would flush—ah Grimmjow could practically taste it.

/'Perhaps I'll give him a taste of something else if he asks nicely.'/

The friend was a bit of a distraction but Mila-Rose was going to take care of that.

Ah Mila-Rose, 'self proclaimed Arabian princess' one of Grimmjow's exes—the woman was still rather bitter about their break up and often went out of her way too make things difficult—take tonight for example—Mila had only agreed to help him after he promised to buy her the rose quartz necklace sitting in the window down at "BruFire"

-a local jewelry store.

Mila liked pretty and expensive things. Even while they were dating, the woman had refused to give him any ass if he didn't agree to shower her with gifts.

"This better be worth it."

"Just pipe down until I tell you to make a move."

"You bastard! I'll have your left nut if you keep t—

"Yeah, yeah save your little sadistic acts for the kid."

"Kid?" Mila-Rose's eyebrow twitched "Do I look like a cradle robber to you?"

"Keep your panties on. He's legal."

Mila picked at a metallic purple painted nail "So what's the runt look like and what's his name?"

"Keigo something or other as for looks? Dumb, plain and talks way to damn much but I'm sure you could just put a bag over his head and gag him."

"How do yo—

"It's what Kazeshini said so—

"Yeah okay so he's puny and a whiner, got it. So what about the one you're going after—Kurosaki was it?"

"Believe me he needs no introduction, you'll know it the moment you see him."

()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

So the movie was still pretty corny but the actor—or more specifically one actor "Abe-san"—the actor playing the shape-shifting panther/detective "Joe Paws"—well the guy was just YUM.

Not that Ichigo would voice this particular thought out loud.

But he would definitely pick up an autographed poster for himself in addition to the one for Yuzu.

And then he would add it to his porn collection.

Not that he had much of a collection to begin with—actually he didn't have a porn collection at all but well now—now he would and the very first thing to win a spot in the box—no not a box but a wall— would be the deliciously yum Joe Paws.

Actually once he got a free moment to himself he might have a little jizzy fun with the poster.

Wait! Did he really just think that?

/'Congratulations King! You're a real man after all—granted an uber fruit-tastic one but hey can't be perfect./

He chose to ignore Shirosaki.

And decided to focus on "Abe-san's" rippling abs instead.

Mm that was really just so very YUM.

"Hey Ichigo do you think if I ask Miko-chan to have my babies she'll agree?"

"Huh? What oh yeah sure Keigo, why don't you ask her when it ends."

"Hey yeah that's a good idea—uh but first here hold this, I gotta go spank the monkey."

Ichigo wrinkled his nose in distaste as Keigo passed him the half eaten box of milk duds.

And then headed for the exit door.

()()()()()()()()

(Grimmjow)

Electric blue eyes watched the brown-haired youth head for the door.

Grimmjow nudged Mila-Rose "That's your cue, get going."

With a nasty snarl, Mila left her seat and set off after the kid.

Grimmjow grinned

/'Showtime!'/

()()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

For all its lame clichés and even lamer action scenes, Happy Hollows in 3D wasn't all that bad.

Bit by bit Ichigo was learning to appreciate all of the characters—not just "Joe Paws."

Take Keigo's dream girl Miko-chan the actress playing "Kiki-Lulu" the shape-shifting koala for example. Her personality reminded him of a cross combination of Karin and Rukia and her bone structure made him think of Ishida—well a female Ishida that is.

But still in Ichigo's opinion Kiki-Lulu should have been the main character—because she was ten times better than Rita-chan the actress playing Ginger-Go-Go the shape-shifting leopard.

In short Ginger-Go-Go was just flat out annoying. She was kind but way too damn cocky. Her natural charm tended to be clouded by her deep insecurities.

Too over the top dramatic.

Just—UGH!

"Wanna be my Ginger-Go-Go, Kurosaki?"

A familiar voice purred into his ear, causing him to jump and almost drop both his popcorn and Keigo's milk duds on the floor.

What the hell was Grimmjow doing here?

And why the hell did he have to get so close?

And did he always smell this good?

"Grimmjow?"

"The one and only. Although some people have told me I look a lot like the actor playing "Paws" The blue haired man grinned "I suppose I kinda do, don't I?"

It was purely for comparison purposes. Nothing else.

Ichigo had no desire to study Grimmjow's face.

Sharp angles. Striking electric blue eyes lined with shadow and liner but unlike Ulquiorra's, Grimmjow's make up looked more natural.

He'd always found Grimmjow attractive and the more he studied the man's features the more he found the similarities between his stalker and the character on screen.

It was almost ironic that the blue haired male just happened to be wearing a fur collared black winter jacket.

Made Ichigo drool inwardly.

/'Must avert gaze, must avert g—

He let out a yelp.

The bastard had just squeezed his right nipple with out warning.

"That's right Ginger, let me hear your sweet sounds."

Grimmjow was a pervert and had always been a pervert.

But what he was doing—did the bastard want to get both of them arrested?

You can't just do—

The sound of a zipper being pulled down reached his ears

Took him a moment to realize it was his—

He let out a hiss.

"Really Ginger, you should stop torturing yourself let go and just enjoy."

/'Well I suppose I could—what the hell am I saying?'/

/'Snot so bad King. Stop worrying so much. A little bit of yum-yum time can do ya a world of good.'/

()()()()()()()

The next morning…

"Rise and Shine Kurosaki-kun we have a big day ahead of us."

Ichigo groaned and pulled the covers over his head.

"Come on Ichigo it's not like you to lay in bed all day, up." With out much warning, Rukia and Inoue grabbed one side of the bed and flipped it sending the orange haired male crashing to the floor.

At least it was carpeted.

He could be thankful for that much.

()()()()()()()

Over coffee, toast and jam Rukia filled him in on what they were doing today.

"We're going to a winter garden. Renji is already waiting at the entrance gate."

"Winter garden?"

"Oh it's so pretty Kurosaki-kun, reminds me of a snow fairy world."

Right so they had woken him up bright and early to go to a winter garden with fairies.

Yippee!

()()()()()()()

And why oh why did they have to dress up in bunny costumes in order to enter this oh so magical garden?

And why oh why did they have to scale the walls and climb the gates?

'Bunny Ninjas' Rukia had called it.

()()()()()

(Aizen)

Deep brown eyes followed the 4 bunny figures climbing the Victorian cast iron gates.

"We seem ta have some intruders."

"Should I let the dogs out Aizen-sama?"

"No. Let's just wait and see what they plan to do."

TBC